Enhancement of concentrator photovoltaic cooling using phase change material by adding bulk over regular configuration

摘要

Concentrated photovoltaic as a replacement for regular photovoltaic is a promising Technology because it offers higher energy density and lower cost per kWh. Unfortunately, High concentrated solar radiation onto photovoltaic cell raises its temperature to unacceptable limits leading to shortage the cell lifetime, reduce efficiency and may cause cell damage. Consequently, using intensive cooling with Phase Change Material (PCM) enhances the system performance. However, one of the main barriers of this technique is appearing of a hot spot at the top of the system due to the high-temperature gradient. In the current study, the tank is modified the order to add a bulk of PCM over regular configuration, and the system is studied numerically where PCM tank aspect ratio is changed while keeping the PCM volume constant. Five different aspect ratios were tested. The effect of those introduced aspect ratios is shown clearly in the temperature of the hot wall. An enhancement up to 10°C is achieved. Additionally, better temperature distribution over the PCM was observed.